Sandalwood: Miracle Parasite

of India

Presented by- Sumit Tarafder

 Introduction
Santalum album L. (East Indian Sandalwood) is a medium-
sized semi-parasitic tree which can reach to a height of 33
to 66 feet. It is called as a miracle tree because of its
immense uses in trade and traditional form of medicine in
South East Asia. As it is semi parasitic in nature it prefers to
“steal” nutrients from the roots of nearby plants by using
tube-like structures (modified roots) called haustoria. It is
mentioned in ancient scriptures of India that every part of
sandalwood is used for some or the other benefit of human
beings.
 Most essential
parts of
sandalwood

Oils Seeds
Oils of Sandalwood
Essential oils of sandalwood have antispasmodic (relieve
spasm of muscles), antibacterial (kill bacteria) and antiviral (kill
viruses) properties. Sandalwood is used in the treatment of
inflammation, skin disorders, rashes, cough, fever, flu,
hypertension and restlessness. Essential oils are used to
improve the functioning of liver, heart and stomach and to
strengthen the gums of teeth and muscles. The fragrant oil
from the wood is one of the choicest perfumery material in
the world and is recently reported to be highly effective in the
treatment of breast cancer too.
Seeds of Sandalwood
Seeds of sandalwood also yield an invaluable oil which
although does not contain any fragrant components
but is bestowed with a unique compound named
“XYMNEMIC ACID” which has an immense anti-
oxidant property which is being utilised in cosmetic
industry world over. Tender leaves of sandalwood are
rich in polyphenols which have potential anti-
hypertensive propertie
 History of Sandalwood
Historically, Sandalwood was declared as a “ROYAL TREE” by
Tipu Sultan in 18th Century and since then it was treated as a
state property irrespective of where it was growing. This lead to
immense pressure on the natural populations of Sandalwood in
Karnataka, illegal felling by infamous Veerappan between 70s to
late 90s further led to the decline of sandalwood. It was not until
2001 when the Government of Karnataka relaxed rules for
sandalwood cultivation, the farmers took interest and since then
plantations in small scale have started coming up.
 Conclusion
Hosachiguru , pioneering in commercial cultivation
of sandalwood since the year 2010. The company is
involved in scientific cultivation of Sandalwood in
most of its farms. It aims to be one of the largest
sandalwood growers in South India by the year 2025
with several acres of plantations under its
management.